Virginia Tech

The Social Media Strategy Manager, in collaboration with the college’s administrative leadership and University Advancement, will work closely with the Director of Communications and Marketing to develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), including Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES). This role is integral in creating and disseminating compelling social media content that advances the priorities of CALS and VCE.

The Social Media Manager will establish robust relationships with the college’s advancement team, Virginia Tech’s Communications and Marketing organization, and internal stakeholders to drive decisions based on industry best practices, implement strategies effectively, and evaluate outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stay informed about the latest social media trends, emerging technologies, platforms, and best practices.
• Provide recommendations to departmental communications team members responsible for managing social media accounts.
• Expand and manage the reach of all social media channels for CALS, VCE, VAES, 4-H, FFA, and other youth development organizations.
• Develop a quarterly social media strategy to amplify CALS, VAES, and VCE content and engage key stakeholder groups.
• Submit quarterly metrics to the Director of Communications and Marketing to inform digital and social content strategy.
• Supervise the college social media intern(s) to enhance the execution of the social media strategy, particularly in relating to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with Virginia Tech’s social media team to optimize content promotion.
• Create and repurpose content (short stories, photos, videos, reels, etc.) suitable for various channels and easily shareable.
• Assist in managing social media channels for VCE and VAES and work with units across the commonwealth to effectively promote research-based information.
• Ensure consistency in voice and adherence to university branding throughout all social media content.
• Coordinate and execute social media communications for state offices of 4-H, FFA, and other youth development organizations under VCE purview.
• Organize and manage the annual Giving Day campaign on social media for CALS, VAES, VCE, 4-H, FFA, and additional youth development organizations, collaborating with the Advancement team to develop and execute content aligned with university and college goals.
• Report to the Director of Communications and Marketing and collaborate closely with the CALS Advancement team.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in managing a professional social media account.
• Profound knowledge of best practices across various social media channels.
• Proficiency in content creation, including video and photo shooting, slideshow creation, and other visual storytelling techniques.
• Strong collaboration skills within a communications team to ensure consistent messaging across channels.
• Copy editing experience.
• Master’s or advanced degree, or a bachelor’s degree with significant related field experience, in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with higher education, agriculture, and life sciences.
• Working knowledge of all program areas within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• Understanding of development communications.
• Experience in working with youth and volunteers.

Appointment Type: Regular

Salary Information: $45,000 – $57,000; commensurate with experience

Review Date: November 6, 2023

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